HSS Echo February 2016

February 2016 Vol. 18 Issue 2

ECHO

THE EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER OF HOSPITAL FOR SPECIAL SURGERY

HSS Training Center for Nets Opens in Brooklyn

One Year, 1,200 Stories ack in the Game, HSS’ online portal for patient

B

oasting world-class amenities and spectacular

B

stories, has reached a milestone: the site

views of New York Harbor, the Hospital for

marked its one-year anniversary in February.

Special Surgery Training Center for the Nets

has officially opened in Brooklyn. The facility, which

More than 1,200 patient stories have been posted in

serves as the basketball team’s new state-of-the-art,

the award-winning forum, making it the largest of its

full-time practice site, opened its doors on February 17.

kind in the world by far.

The training center occupies 70,000 square feet

The interactive site invites patients to post their

on the eighth floor and rooftop of a converted

own photos and personal narratives about how

waterfront warehouse in Industry City, in the Sunset

HSS helped them get “back in the game” of life.

Park neighborhood. The facility’s premier amenities include two full basketball courts, a weight room, a training pool and two hydro pools, a rooftop entertainment space, an 18-seat multimedia theater, 3,000 square feet of hospitality/players’ lounge space, and a media interview/workroom.

HSS president and CEO Lou Shapiro shakes hands with Brett Yormark, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment.

Hospital for Special Surgery provides all medical care for the team, including orthopedic services, internal medicine, physical therapy and athletic training staff.

Riley J. Williams, III, M.D., sports medicine surgeon

The exterior design, consisting of dark metal and

at HSS, has served as the Nets’ medical director since

a wide expanse of glass, is set against the interior

the 2005-06 season and continues to serve in that

finishes, which combine an industrial vibe with

function, as well as head team physician.

softer natural materials to create a harmonious spa-like environment.

“The new HSS Training Center highlights the importance of sports medicine and performance

John Denneen, director of Pediatric Service Lines, views the “Back in the Game” interactive kiosk on the fifth floor of the main Hospital.

HSS, the Official Hospital of the Brooklyn Nets, has

training working seamlessly and collaboratively

branding on the interior and exterior of the facility,

in the approach to player care,” said Dr. Williams.

“The success of the forum is a testament to the

and the Nets practice jerseys feature the HSS logo.

“NBA basketball is a physically challenging sport that

world-class care and experience patients receive

The Hospital has had a close relationship with the

is played over many months. A close-knit relationship

at HSS,” said John Englehart, chief marketing

Nets for more than 12 years.

between the team and its medical personnel is

officer. “It also recognizes that sharing one’s story

Construction began on the new training facility in the

vital to injury prevention, effective treatment and

is an important part of the HSS patient experience.”

summer of 2014. “It’s exciting to see the HSS Training

ultimately the professional athlete’s return to play.”

More than 100 HSS physicians are featured in at least

Center come to life after watching its transformation

Nets Center Willie Reed said he was impressed with

one story on the site, which includes patients who have

the past couple of years,” said Lou Shapiro, president

the space even before it was completed. He and

undergone procedures or treatment for a wide range of

and CEO. “We are proud of our long-standing rela-

fellow teammates surprised construction workers

orthopedic and rheumatologic conditions, from spinal

tionship with the Nets organization, the players, and

with a visit to the center in January.

fusion, hip replacement and rotator cuff repair to

fans around the world.”

CONTINUED on page 2

rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

“The ‘Back in the Game’ portal allows patients who have worked hard to recover from an injury or an arthritic condition the opportunity to proudly showcase their accomplishments,” said David Mayman, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at HSS. “Recovery takes a team. That team includes the patient and all of the people and services at HSS.”

CONTINUED on page 2

Inside

The HSS Training Center’s premier amenities include two full basketball courts.

3 4 5

Remembering Dr. Leon Root Epic Update Social Work Programs at HSS

HSS Training Center for Nets CONTINUED FROM COVER Reed also praised the care he received at HSS when

Entertainment. “HSS Training Center is about serving

he needed surgery on his thumb. “They did a great

world-class athletes, while also making a difference

job on my thumb. I came back within six weeks,”

in the borough as we utilize the facility to mentor and

he said. “They were always there for me during

inspire young Brooklynites.”

that process, being able to speak with me, keep me

In addition to serving as the training ground for

motivated and keep my confidence high as I was

the Brooklyn Nets, the facility will host youth

going through a tough time. HSS has been really

basketball clinics, community events, and local

good to me, and I’m very appreciative of it.”

business development functions. Additionally, the

“The core pillars of our new facility are – Performance,

organization will offer internship and job shadow

Prevention, and Recovery – a powerful combination

opportunities to students from Sunset Park, and

that both HSS and our team focus on to achieve suc-

will promote periodic job fairs at Barclays Center

cess,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Brooklyn Sports &

to Sunset Park residents.

The Training Center occupies 70,000 square feet on the eighth floor and rooftop of a converted waterfront warehouse.

The HSS Training Center for the Nets opened in February. On hand for the inauguration: (l -r) Lou Shapiro, HSS president and CEO; Dr. Riley J. Williams, III, medical director and head team physician; Mark Tatum, NBA deputy commissioner; Brook Lopez, Brooklyn Nets player; Brett Yormark, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment; Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Brooklyn Nets player; Irina Pavlova, president of Onexim Sports and Entertainment; Mikhail Prokhorov, Brooklyn Nets owner; Dmitry Razumov, CEO of Onexim Sports and Entertainment; Sergey Karasev, Brooklyn Nets player; Chris McCullough, Brooklyn Nets player; Willie Reed, Brooklyn Nets player; Markel Brown, Brooklyn Nets player.

One Year, 1,200 Stories CONTINUED FROM COVER Patients can submit their stories in minutes from their

“By sharing their stories in this way, HSS patients

smartphone, tablet, or home computer. Visitors can

help other consumers to find, trust and choose

search stories by more than 20 shared interests –

HSS for their own care,” John noted. “When it

from snowboarding to grandparenting – as well

comes to healthcare especially, more than anything

as condition, physician, and patient hometown.

else consumers trust the recommendation

Interactive “Hospital for Special Stories” kiosks are

of family, friends, and others to whom they can

available for public viewing in the patient reception

relate. At the end of the day, the ‘Back in the

areas for Pediatrics on the fifth floor of the main

Game’ forum is about current patients helping

Hospital and in the Stamford Outpatient Center.

future patients.”

“The thought of having spine surgery can be anxiety-

Since “Back in the Game” was launched, more

provoking to patients, but reading about someone

than 800 online appointment requests have been

who had a successful outcome often makes patients

received from visitors to the forum.

much more comfortable,” said Bernard Rawlins, M.D.,

Check out the “Back in the Game” forum at

a spine surgeon at HSS.

HSS.edu/BackInTheGame.

Back in the Game by the Numbers (as of March 7): 1,231: number of patient stories 961,658: number of times people have viewed the site

21: number of countries the stories come from

31: number of states the stories come from

2,283: number of times the stories have been shared on social media, including Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and e-mail.

Making Rounds News & Insights from Lou Shapiro, President and CEO

Access “Making Rounds” www.hssmakingrounds.com, to read the below posts and more. I look forward to your comments.

– Lou Shapiro • The Steadfast Imperative of Protecting Patient Privacy • Journey • Finally • We Are Live

2

Tatyana Litvinko, patient liaison, Service Excellence, views a collage of “Back in the Game” stories posted on the fourth floor of the main Hospital.

Dr. Leon Root Remembered riends, colleagues

time I met him, I just felt good. He was an amazingly

It was easy for me to find him, his kind and loving

and former patients

special person, and it was the force of his personality

gaze always gave him away. He would take my hand

came together to

that made you feel like his best friend.”

and sometimes even sing to me until I fell asleep.”

share heartfelt, personal

Thomas Sculco, M.D., surgeon-in-chief emeritus,

Dr. Root, who attended Lauren’s wedding, encouraged

memories of Dr. Leon

first met Dr. Root in 1971 when he started his resi-

her to follow her dreams and led her to believe there

Root at a memorial

dency at HSS. Remembering Dr. Root as “the heart

was nothing she couldn’t conquer. In 2000, repre-

service in February.

and soul of HSS,” Dr. Sculco spoke of his selflessness

senting the United States in the Paralympic Games

C. Ronald MacKenzie, M.D.,

and dedication. “All of us on the faculty were awed by

in Australia, she went home with one gold medal and

introduced each speaker.

Leon and his incredible way of dedicating himself to

two silver medals in the swimming competitions.

They painted a portrait of an exceptional mentor,

everything he did. It was never about Leon, but what

Laura Robbins, DSW, senior vice president, Educa-

a generous and loyal friend, a compassionate and

he could do for those around him.”

tion and Academic Affairs, worked with Dr. Root in

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gifted physician, and a highly respected colleague,

“Leon Root had a heart of gold,” said David Levine,

the HSS Pediatric Outreach Program that he estab-

dedicated to his family and to his work. A man

M.D., director of Alumni Affairs. “He was a prince of

lished in 1987. More than 28,000 children have

with a ready smile who always saw the best in

princes, a physician with compassion, a colleague

participated in the program, and over 4,000 of them

everyone and made a lasting impression from the

who enjoyed the highest respect. Worshipped by his

have been seen at HSS or referred for follow-up care.

moment you met him. Dr. MacKenzie remembered

patients, devoted to his family, always loving, caring,

“At each screening, each child that Leon touched,

Dr. Root as a man of integrity, a role model and

concerned. Always there to listen, respond and advise.”

regardless of background, culture or ability to pay,

a lifelong friend, always there when you needed him.

Roger Widmann, M.D., chief of Pediatric Orthopedic

was treated with the same loving care, respect and

Lou Shapiro, president and CEO, remembers

Surgery, characterized Dr. Root as a brilliant role model

concern as if they were his own children.”

Dr. Root as a once-in-a-lifetime mentor. “His

of how to treat patients, families and colleagues. “As an

JeMe Cioppa-Mosca, MBA, P.T., senior vice presi-

truly unique mentorship was one of fundamental

administrator and a colleague, Leon made it clear to all

dent, Rehabilitation, believes Dr. Root’s life is best

humanity, compassion, empathy, care, science and

of us that we were all engaged in a sacred mission of

remembered by emulating the things that meant

citizenship. His mentorship was so powerful that it

providing outstanding surgical care to our patients, and

the most to him: his love for his family, friends, his

projected seamlessly through his every word and

this was both a privilege and a calling.”

patients, and his beloved HSS; his love of learning,

deed, with both deliberate generosity and natural

Lauren Davidson, a patient of Dr. Root’s from child-

teaching and mentoring; his love of laughter and bad

reflex. He extended his gift of inspiration and

hood through adulthood, described how through

jokes; his ability to listen; his genuine kindness and

example to every single person he encountered.”

countless surgeries and frightening times, Dr. Root

concern; his hugs; and his ability to be a brilliant

Todd Albert, M.D., surgeon-in-chief, recalled

was the glue that held her family together. For her,

surgeon, a brilliant physician and a brilliant human

Dr. Root’s warmth, openness and encouraging

he was “Dr. Rooty-Tooty.” She recalled being wheeled

being while remaining incredibly humble. JeMe

personality that put people at ease and made

into the operating room as a young child, “looking at

added, “Perhaps if we all try just a little more to be

everyone feel like his friend. “I would go visit him to

the sea of masked people in gowns and hats, search-

like Leon, in any way we can, we will be able to keep

get his advice and to just feel good, because every

ing for the one person I needed to see: Dr. Root.

the heart and soul of HSS alive forever.”

The Child Life Program: Precious Support for Young Patients

T

he Child Life Program has an important

The Child Life Program at HSS has three goals:

mission: to make hospital experiences less

• to reduce the anxiety and emotional impact related

stressful – and more fun – for children and their

families at HSS. To achieve this goal, the Child Life staff engages families in interventions to reduce stress

to procedures and hospitalization • to encourage typical development and socialization

and anxiety; provides developmentally appropriate

• to improve the child and family experience at HSS

education about hospital experiences and treatment;

Q: Is there research to show the benefit of Child

and creates an environment where kids can grow, learn

Life Programs and interventions?

and even have fun. According to Lisa Ipp, M.D., chief of Pediatric Medicine, “The provision of Child Life services is a quality benchmark in pediatric care, and the recent hiring of the hospital’s first certified child life specialist

procedural pain

Peyton Katz, CCLS, pediatric patient and family care

procedures and diagnoses, and a more positive

coordinator in the Department of Pediatrics and a

physical and emotional recovery

pediatric patients and families • Special experiences, including visits with

adaptive ski trips; and attendance at professional sports games. These are made possible through partnerships with the Pediatric Council, Sports Marketing, and nonprofit organizations, including Madison Square Garden’s Garden of Dreams and enCourage Kids Foundation

overall hospital experience Q: Does the Child Life Program only work with Q: What kind of programming does Child Life offer

A: Child Life specialists are trained to support

at HSS?

children and families through challenging experi-

A: Child Life facilitates a number of programs to benefit

ences, particularly those related to healthcare and

children and families, including, but not limited to:

families cope with hospitalization and illness.

staff throughout the institution as they work with

Foundation, Ronald McDonald House New York • lead to higher parent satisfaction ratings of the

Q: What is Child Life?

the multidisciplinary team to help children and

• Staff education and training to support hospital

• reduce patients’ ratings of procedural and post-

increased cooperation, a better understanding of

patients and families, Child Life staff works with

positive memory of the experience

professional athletes for children going through

• result in less emotional distress, improved coping,

hospitals. Recognizing the unique needs of pediatric

the visit, and enjoy themselves in order to create a

difficult situations; onsite music and entertainment;

dicators of HSS’ commitment to its youngest patients.”

most common questions people ask about Child Life:

to allow children to focus on something other than

A: Yes! Research shows that Child Life interventions:

and continued growth of the Child Life Program are in-

certified child life specialist, answers some of the

• Distraction kits in waiting areas and exam rooms

patients on the 5th floor?

A: No! A part of the pediatric multidisciplinary team,

• Holiday parties to provide “normal” experiences for children while also letting them interact with staff and the hospital in a fun, non-threatening manner

Child Life manages and coordinates programming for children across the institution.

If you feel your area could benefit from Child Life, please contact Peyton Katz at extension 2043 for more information.

3

A Nursing Perspective: Being Live on Epic nn LoBasso, R.N., MBA, NE-BC, vice

A

were familiar to nurses before they got to their Epic

president of Inpatient Operations, shares

Training classes. There were training validation and

her insights about the Epic go-live from the

designs sessions where we adapted Epic classroom

nursing perspective.

training and e-learning to our new HSS workflows

What steps were taken to ensure nursing staff

and content. After training, we encouraged the use

were prepared for go-live?

of the Playground in Epic to practice.

A.L.: There was some anxiety, but we were well-

We held a Clinical Summit to make sure we had

prepared. The nursing team had gone through

a plan for addressing any and all Epic clinical and

education classes and participated in dress rehearsals,

workflow concerns that had been identified. Workflow

shadow charting and various activities, which helped

walkthroughs were held as an opportunity to intro-

prepare them for day one. Patient care directors

duce the new Epic workflows to clinical staff, as well

“moved in” for a seven-day period to be available to

as Epic Day, where we participated in demos and

staff around the clock. They took shifts across all areas

engaged clinical staff in asking questions and learning

so that support was available 24/7. Everybody pitched

more about the process. We did shadow charting in

in, and I truly believe this made the difference during

OR and Periop areas so nurses were able to try docu-

go-live – it went more smoothly than we had hoped.

menting realistic cases in the system they designed.

The emotional support provided by leadership, coupled

We held workflow dress rehearsals where HSS leaders

with the help of our Super Users and at-the-elbow

were our first Epic “patients” with nursing and the

support, allowed staff to ask questions and familiarize

entire care team, documenting the admission, sur-

themselves with the system, all the while safely caring

gery and discharge in Epic. Two weeks before go-live,

for patients who were in the hospital during go-live.

we held learning labs where nurses had a chance to

reporting, but we need to understand what consti-

come together with the interdisciplinary care team to

tutes a variance, and when and how we should

document discharges and the interdisciplinary plan

analyze the variances so that we can improve our

of care (IPOC), gaining an appreciation for how each

patient outcomes.

discipline contributes to those two integral aspects

How has the use of Epic streamlined discharge

of care delivery.

planning?

Tell me a little about the first few days: How did

A.L.: The process pre-Epic was very cumbersome,

nursing stay focused on patient care?

as nursing needed to pull information from various

As you look back on the journey, which key activities contributed the most to making a smooth transition to Epic?

A.L.: We have been working for 18 months preparing nursing for go-live though our Periop and Inpatient readiness groups. The clinical readiness teams, led by our clinical informaticists, were comprised of nurses and nursing leadership and met for four hours every

A.L.: The continual presence of care directors, day

disciplines. Epic is extremely streamlined, the infor-

week. The readiness groups were responsible for Epic

and night, kept the staff focused on patient care. The

mation is concise, informative, and patient-friendly.

content and workflow design. We could have used

nurses never lost their critical thinking skills through-

Describe an example where you observed

Epic as is, “out of the box”, but we knew our success

out the process; the focus was always on the patient.

patient(s) experiencing the benefits of Epic.

depended on adapting it to fit HSS nursing practice

Patient care directors rounded on patients around

and workflows. The readiness groups were responsible

the clock to ensure that all patients were comfortable

for assessing the impact the Epic workflow changes

and their needs were being met in a timely manner.

would have, and for making a plan to address the

Describe two early Epic “wins” for nursing.

patient-friendly.

greatest impact through early education, engagement

A.L.: Vital sign integration is a huge benefit for

activities, policy review, and training.

What is the biggest challenge you see for nursing

nursing. Staff no longer have to manually document

in the next year in using Epic?

Education began in the readiness groups with devel-

vital signs. Vital signs now flow electronically into

opment of “early learnings” that addressed work-

Epic for staff to validate and save as part of the

flows that were changing the most with Epic. These

patient’s medical record.

early learnings were brought back to their units by

Knowledge-based medication administration is

the readiness team members and discussed in hud-

want. However, with that said, once you have the data,

extremely user-friendly: only a few clicks, as opposed

dles and staff meetings, so new terms and workflows

you own that data. Once we get over this learning

to a cumbersome process that the staff used with the

curve, we will be able to determine how to handle this

previous system.

data as a team in the most meaningful ways.

I could not agree more with Alex Lengle, CN 1, on 11

In the months ahead, our Epic partners have told

east, who stated “Epic is EPIC!”

us to stay the course. What advice do you have

How are nursing staff adapting to Epic after the

for staff to help them become more comfortable

two-week mark? Describe the workflow changes

with Epic?

that are most challenging.

A.L.: I have been amazed by our team; they are already

Kristen McShane, CN I; Sharada Manbodhe, patient care assistant; and Adrijana Petrov, registrar, check out Epic tips.

4

Richard Albright, R.N. with Monique Fontecha of Healthcare IT Consulting.

A.L.: We have been receiving a lot of positive feedback on the discharge instructions. They like all the information they are receiving and indicate that it is

A.L.: The data that we can pull from Epic is extraordinary and at the same time overwhelming. You basically can pull a report on almost anything that you need or

A.L.: We have had several new workflows introduced

very comfortable with the system. They have learned

and the staff are becoming familiar with them. The

how to personalize the screens, and they are making

blood administration workflow has proven to be one

recommendations on how to improve functionality –

of the more challenging ones because it is a big

they seem genuinely happy with this new tool.

change. Staff are becoming familiar and more com-

I didn’t know what to expect on January 31, and

fortable with the new workflow, and compliance is

I am so very proud of everyone at HSS. We all came

nearly perfect now that we are at the two-week mark.

together to make this a success. Everyone helped

The Interdisciplinary Plan of Care (IPOC) is another

each other working as a team; no one let anyone else

workflow that we are continuing to work on as a

fail. I am confident we will continue this path moving

team. The IPOC affords us the ability to have variance

forward together.

Celebrating National Professional Social Work Month in March ach year, the National Association of

strategic, comprehensive, and innovative approach to

“Consistent with HSS’ commitment to provide

Social Workers (NASW) honors those in

psychosocial support, education, and advocacy.”

the highest quality of care and be the most trusted

the field through the observance of National

With 25 dedicated staff members, the department

educator, we are passionate about demonstrating

E

Professional Social Work Month in March. This

serves HSS’ Ambulatory Care Centers in Pediatrics

leadership and creating an environment of

year, in recognition of this special month, the HSS

and Orthopedics, as well as the Rheumatology

continuous learning,” Roberta noted. “Our innovative

Department of Social Work Programs is sponsoring

Division, by providing psychosocial assessments and

research and contributions at national conferences,

a special lecture that will be open to all staff.

addressing the complex needs of patients and their

and our participation in federal initiatives to address

“Assessing and Addressing Health Literacy: A Critical

families regarding the impact and understanding of

the needs of underserved populations are some

Skill for the Healthcare Team to Improve Patient

their medical condition and treatment, and related

examples. Our journal club, complex case

Outcomes,” will be presented by Juliette Kleinman,

concerns. “We identify high risk situations and

conference, peer group supervision, and related

LCSW, ACSW, on Monday, March 21, from 2:00 p.m. –

barriers to care, provide short-term counseling

staff development initiatives are integrated into

3:30 p.m. in the Richard L. Menschel Education

and support, and frequently refer patients to

our everyday work.”

Center, 2nd Floor, Room C. Effective health literacy

community agencies for ongoing interventions

HSS staff will have the opportunity to learn

skills are essential to the patient experience across

to meet their needs, in close collaboration with

more about Social Work Programs in March.

all patient populations to ensure the highest quality

the HSS healthcare team.”

Information tables will be set up in the Richard

of care for all. Low health literacy is associated with lack of access to care, health disparities, ineffective communication with healthcare providers, decreased adherence, and worse outcomes. This is one of the many issues the department’s social workers address to ensure the best care possible for our patients.

HSS offers more support and education programs

L. Menschel Education Center on March 21.

in its specialty areas than any other hospital in the

Please join the Department of Social Work

country. All programs are offered free to the commu-

Programs in celebrating National Professional

nity and are culturally and linguistically tailored to

Social Work Month.

meet their needs. Services include programs for

If you would like to attend the lecture, please reserve

lupus, rheumatoid arthritis,

by March 18, by contacting Melissa Flores, LMSW,

myositis, challenges

at extension 8934, or FloresMe@hss.edu.

older adults may face,

About the Department of Social Work Programs

and education regarding

The mission of the Department of Social Work

The Department of

Programs at HSS is to support, empower, and

Social Work Programs is

enhance quality of life for people with rheumatologic

an integral part of HSS’

and orthopedic conditions, and their loved ones.

Community Service and

“The department’s programs seek to provide needed

Community Benefit Plan,

resources and reduce barriers to access in culturally

with a long history,

diverse communities,” explained Roberta Horton,

beginning with the SLE

LCSW, ACSW, senior director, Department of Social

Workshop that Roberta

Work Programs. “We reach these goals through a

launched in 1985.

insurance issues.

Each year, the Department of Social Work Programs celebrates National Professional Social Work Month in March.

The Critical Role of Environmental Services at HSS n the nine years that Joe Pobliner served

The Department of Environmental Services plays a

Hospital, where he was associate executive director

as director of Environmental Services at

critical role at HSS, ensuring the smooth operation

of Facilities Management.

HSS, he saw his share of challenging situations.

of the Hospital on a day-to-day basis. Each day,

Mark, who started on February 1, is impressed with

Through blizzards, sub-zero temperatures, and

thousands of patients and employees rely on the

what he has seen at HSS so far. “I’m very excited to

flooded streets and roadways, Joe and his team

department’s well-trained and diligent staff to keep

be here and to be part of a team,” he said. “Hospital

always rose to the occasion. Even when Hurricane

the facility in top condition.

for Special Surgery is an amazing organization, and

Sandy ravaged New York City and turned the

Over the past nine years, Joe has raised the level of

the staff is great at all levels. Clearly, HSS is number

FDR Drive into a river, they managed to keep

service in his department, automating the majority

one for a reason.”

HSS open and running. The team includes 35 staff

of HVAC systems and ensuring that the Hospital was

In addition to the day-to-day operations that Mark

members in Engineering, along with 115 employees

in compliance with increasingly complex regulatory

will oversee to keep the facility functioning at a high

in Housekeeping.

requirements. He increased the efficiency of Envi-

level, his previous hospital experience has prepared

“Hurricane Sandy may well have been our finest

ronmental Services and instituted a program in

him well for any unforeseen events. Mark dealt

hour,” Joe recalls. “Although few imagined it would

which employees could advance in their careers by

with the Northeast blackout of 2003, and he was

cause so much devastation overall, we were very

receiving additional training and certifications.

challenged by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The storm

well-prepared. Our team of dedicated employees

Joe retired at the end of February, and Mark

slammed into the seaside city where his hospital was

worked very hard and did an outstanding job, and we

Healey, assistant vice president of Facilities and

located, causing unavoidable and massive damage

also brought in outside help in advance of the storm.”

Environmental Services, is now providing leadership

to the hospital and everything around it.

The ferocious nature of Sandy and the Hospital’s

for the engineering, housekeeping, and laundry/linen

Fortunately, catastrophic events are few and far be-

I

location next to the East River made it a struggle to

areas. Mark brings more than 15 years of experience

tween. Most of the time, Mark will focus on maintaining

keep water out. But with special equipment, sandbags,

in healthcare facilities leadership and management

and enhancing the facilities, implementing best prac-

and additional plumbers and laborers, Joe’s depart-

to HSS. Most recently, he worked for the New York

tices, meeting regulatory requirements, and ensuring

ment managed to keep patients and staff safe.

City Health and Hospital’s Corporation, Harlem

patient satisfaction with the services he oversees.

5

Back in the Game SS’ online patient forum – Back in the

H

Telephone Scams on the Rise: Beware of “Vishing” Phone Calls

Game – now has more than 1,200 patient mail isn’t the only communication method

E

organization, making the telephone call appear to be

used by scammers to steal your information.

legitimate,” John warns. “Many VoiceOver IP (VoIP)

A new threat has emerged that takes advan-

services have more relaxed policies regarding Caller ID

tage of one the most trusted forms of communication:

than telephone companies, so vishers using these

the telephone, and some employees at HSS have

services can pretend to be anyone.”

received such calls.

A vishing attack may use contact methods other

John Calandra, director, IS Audit/information secu-

than the telephone. In fact, many vishing attacks

rity officer at HSS, asks that all employees be on the

begin with a simple phishing message or text

lookout for the scam, known as “voice phishing” or

message, urging the recipient to call a toll-free

“vishing.” It is similar to computer phishing, but

number. Using multiple methods to contact an

scammers use a phone call instead of a computer

unsuspecting target may establish trust, making

to try to steal your information or your money.

someone more likely to fall victim to the scam.

doubts if I would

John asks that you contact him immediately if you

The best way to protect yourself from the trickery

be able to ski, hike

receive a suspicious phone call, such as someone

is simple: do not give up private information to an

or even walk in my

claiming to be from Microsoft stating your computer

unsolicited or unknown caller, John says. It is difficult

yard again without

is infected, or the IRS saying you will be sent to jail if

to know who, precisely, is on the other end of the

pain. I couldn’t

you do not pay a penalty,

line, so giving out your credit card number, verifica-

stand the pain any

“To trick unsuspecting targets, both phishing and

tion number, PIN, or any other sensitive information

longer. I finally made the correct choice and came to

vishing rely heavily upon appeals to strong emo-

is always dangerous. If you have any doubts, and

HSS choosing Dr. Deland. Each person I spoke with

tions,” John notes. “Vishing, in particular, appeals to

the caller mentions a specific a credit card, you can

was professional, caring and very clear about the

feelings of urgency and fear. The most common

call the phone number on the back of your card.

whole process involved with a total ankle replace-

vishing schemes begin with an automated message:

If you have any questions, please call John at

ment, which was in June 2014. Leading up to surgery,

‘Your account has been compromised’ or ‘We have

extension 8864.

stories! The postings share how HSS helped

patients get “back in the game.” Every month we will include one of the stories that highlight the extraordinary care members of the HSS family provide.

Read how HSS helped Frosty Blakeslee of Stamford, CT get back in the game.

I arrived at HSS after a few months research and interviews with various orthopedic doctors. I had my

all the pre-operation procedures were a breeze

detected a fraudulent charge.’ The recipient is then

thanks to all the dedicated nurses, lab technicians,

told to call a certain number to update account

doctors and office support at HSS. My total ankle

information. Don’t do it.”

replacement operation is a total success thanks

If you receive such a call at HSS, John asks that you

to the partnership of success with Dr. Deland.

give him as much information as possible, including

Dr. Deland was perfectly clear explaining the whole

the phone number, time and subject of the call.

operation start to finish along with a recovery

DO NOT provide the caller with any information

timeline. The physical therapist, Dr. Deland and I were

(not even your name or title), but state that you

in constant communication during rehabilitation and

will call them back at the number they provide.

I was skiing in November. I am a professional ski instructor who constantly recommends HSS for its excellence and Dr. Deland for ankle and other foot problems. There is no pain, no stiffness, just lots of good times.

Mark Your Calendars Hospital for Special Surgery is committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all patients, visitors and employees. The NYPD briefing originally scheduled for February has a new date. A representative from the New York City Police Department will come to HSS to brief

In addition to emotional appeals, both phishing and

staff on the latest counter-terrorism measures

vishing try to trick people by mimicking a real organiza-

and response protocols on Tuesday, June 21,

tion or person. This is called “pretexting” or “bohoing.”

from 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. in the Richard L.

“Caller ID won’t protect you because scammers

Menschel Education Center.

are able to copy the Caller ID information of a real

Compliance Helpline Reminder The Compliance Helpline is a service for employees who wish to anonymously or confidentially report suspected violations of the Hospital for Special Surgery’s Code of Conduct, officially stated policies or relevant public laws and regulations. This includes concerns about patient safety.

The Helpline does not replace other resources available to you, including supervisors, managers and Human Resources staff, but it is an alternative channel available to you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is operated on our behalf by National Helpline Services, Inc., an independent firm.

The Compliance Helpline number is 888-651-6234.

All information will be kept confidential unless the law requires it to be shared with law enforcement authorities.

Hospital for Special Surgery policy forbids any retribution or retaliation against an employee who reports a compliance issue in good faith.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Corporate Compliance office directly, at x2398.

A Sweet Way to Say Thank You he team effort at HSS is one of the factors

T

that make our Hospital great, and each year in February, staff have the opportunity to

show their appreciation to fellow employees and volunteers. The annual “Thank You with Chocolate Kisses” event gives us the chance to purchase chocolate kisses or a teddy bear and write a heartfelt message to go with the gift.

The Employee Activities Committee, which sponsors the event, reports that staff purchased more than 100 pounds of chocolate kisses to express their gratitude to co-workers and volunteers this year.

The gifts were distributed to recipients around Valentine’s Day. The Employee Activities Committee collected more than $1,800, with proceeds benefiting HSS Pediatric Outreach Services.

6

Employee Activities Committee members Pamela Katkin, Christopher James and Ann Bienstock (l - r) put chocolate kisses in bags that will be distributed to employees.

Employee of the Month Dave Sousa, January 2016 Congratulations to Dave, Employee of the Month for January! A patient care assistant in the Ambulatory Surgery Center since 2011, Dave has earned high marks for his can-do attitude, outstanding work ethic, and warm and caring attitude toward our patients. He exemplifies patient-centered care day after day in everything he does.

From the moment he arrives at his unit on the ninth floor, he’s off and running: assisting nurses, stocking the unit, transferring patients, cleaning, ordering supplies, monitoring inventory, and always with a smile.

He contributes to the smooth and efficient functioning of his unit and is a vital member of the team.

No matter how busy he is, Dave works hard to put the patient’s needs first. His excellent people skills come into play as he cares for and provides comfort to patients. He demonstrates skill in fulfilling the HSS mission “to provide the highest quality patient care.” For his dedication, service and many contributions to patient care, Dave is a most deserving Employee of the Month.

Ryan Dunne, February 2016 Congratulations to Ryan, Employee of the Month for February! Ryan, who has been at HSS since 2011, is a surgical tech in the operating room. “Selfless, helpful to everyone, hardworking, knowledgeable and diligent” are words his colleagues use to describe Ryan. He does not expect praise for the outstanding job he does; he believes our patients deserve the best care. As one colleague put it, “Seeing Ryan as the scrub person in your room makes you feel confident that we are going to have a great day.”

Ryan arrives at work early and helps the nurse gather all the materials needed for the day ahead to promote efficiency. He asked to be a part of the Perioperative Practice Council, ready and willing to tackle the extra work it would entail. He requested the position because he wanted to have a positive effect on patients and the organizational changes that involve his peers. Ryan’s helpful nature, positive attitude and willingness to go above and beyond make him a most deserving Employee of the Month.

Global Partnership SS physicians traveled to China to present

H

and its partners in China: Peking University

lectured on infection and revision joint replacement

vital information at the Third Annual HSS-

People’s Hospital and Peking Union Medical College

surgery. The symposium attracted more than 130

China Arthroplasty Symposium. Held in

Hospital. Drs. Mathias Bostrom, Michael Cross,

orthopedic surgeons and related professionals

Chongqing, a major city in southwest China, the

Seth Jerabek, and Russell Windsor from the Adult

from 20 Chinese provinces.

highly successful event was made possible by HSS

Reconstruction & Joint Replacement Division

7

Milestones Research, Academic and External Activities

• Stephen Lyman, Ph.D., was invited to serve on several performance measures working groups by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Honors • Suzanne Maher, Ph.D., has been elected to the College of Fellows of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) for the Class of 2016. AIMBE fellows, nominated each year by their peers, represent those considered

Andrew Kraszewski, M.S., presented at the 2015 GNYRC-ACSM Annual Meeting.

• Diana Minardo, M.S., OTR/L, had a platform

(AAOS) that meet year round: AAOS Management

presentation on “Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Need

of ACL Injuries Work Group, AAOS Osteoarthritis:

for Preoperative Education” at the 2015 ASSET

Function and Pain Work Group.

Annual Conference.

Lectures and Symposia

• Lauren Piljic, P.T., DPT, gave two presentations

• Scott Wolfe, M.D., presented the Rothman

to be in the top 2% of the medical and biological

Institute Invited Professorship and gave a talk

engineering community. Dr. Maher will be

titled, “Brachial Plexus Reconstruction in 2016:

inducted as a fellow during the AIMBE’s 25th

Can we do better?”

at the National Psoriasis Foundation’s “Be Joint Smart” public education event.

• Robert Turner, P.T., OCS, M.S., O.M., PMA®-CPT, led an interdisciplinary spine forum at the North

Anniversary Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.

Publications

American Spine Society Annual Meeting. He was

in April. She joins three other HSS AIMBE fellows:

• Adele Boskey, Ph.D., and Eduardo Villarreal-

also quoted in an article for More magazine on

Dr. Tim Wright, inducted in 1994; Dr. Peter

Ramirez, Ph.D., published an article on “Intrinsically

Torzilli, in 1999; and Dr. Adele Boskey, in 2009.

Disordered Proteins and Biomineralization” in Matrix

“19 Natural Ways to Boost Your Health.”

• HSS Spine & Sport in Jupiter, FL was recognized

Study Sections, Editorial Boards, Professional

Biology that was recommended in F1000 Prime as

by the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm

Organization Roles

being of special significance in its field. F1000

Beaches with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

• Juliet Aizer, M.D., was named Chair of the Ameri-

Prime, comprised of a “faculty” of about 5,000

can College of Rheumatology (ACR) Continuous

scientists and clinical researchers, covers 40 disci-

Professional Development Subcommittee and a

plines and more than 3,700 peer-reviewed journals.

member of the ACR Committee on Education.

• Anne Bass, M.D., was appointed Chair of the

Rehabilitation

• Betty Chow, P.T., M.A., OCS; Erin Singleton, P.T., DPT, OCS; and Christine Lynders, P.T., OCS, presented at the Rehab Grand Rounds program, “Peripheral Pain Originating from the Lumbar Spine.”

• Jason Machowsky, M.S., R.D., CSSD, CSCS;

• Betty Chow also successfully defended her

American College of Rheumatology Committee

Matthew Pugliese, M.S., DPT, OCS, MTC,

dissertation in Research in Physical Therapy

on Training and Workforce.

Cert. MDT, SFMA; Happy Freedman; and

from New York University.

Welcome

Picture This

Dioanne D. Adsuara, Paul A. Apeles, Kristen T. Ashourian, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Karlene C. Baptiste, Ruslan Berdichevsky, Anna Berg, Mackenzie Boedicker, Crisitina M. Botero, Marissa N. Cannata, Guillaume C. Chazenfus, Gabriela Cobos, Katrina Cook, Aashka Dalal, Natig N. Davidov, William De Jesus, Sami J. Eliya, Makrina Estafanos, Akwasi A. Frimpong, Yael Garcia, Lisa K. Gray, Colleen Halligan, Dawn A. Hawkins, Lizandro A. Heras, Jennifer N. Hersh, Melissa Ho, Robert L. Horsley, Ayesha Hossain, Iris E. Huger, Michael R. Juhre, Jaeeun Kwon, Sheila Leconte, Monique H. Licerio, Leila Liu, Kerisha L. Lumsden, Allison K. Magenta, Gladys Maldonado, Katelyn R. Maula, Denise McIver, Sabine Mesias, Lisa M. Mondiello, Sulma E. Moreno, Tahilees P. Murphy, Deborah Olsen, Krisanne J. Pederson, Christopher Petillo, Alisha Phillips, Stephanie A. Pitaro, Matthew T. Powers, Louise Reist, Jeremy Rivera, Catherine R. Rizzo, Tracy A. Ronquillo, Jennifer E. Ross, Theophilus Sackey, Alexander Saltzman, Danielle A. Samuels, Hayley A. Sennott, Michelle E. Shafiro, Suhagi Shah, Rhea Sinha, Emily Smith, Hennessy I. Sosa, Aniela Sosnowski, Rubin Srimal, Jan Stern, Jian Sun, Fatim B. Toure, Krystle Ung, Jigme Wangyal, Shane Weeks, Rachelle Williams, Keith Wunderlich, Yuji Yoshida.

Joint Commission Reporting Hospital for Special Surgery is committed to providing safe, quality care to all of its patients.

In the event you have a concern regarding the safety or quality of care provided by the Hospital or the Laboratory, you may report these concerns to the Joint Commission.

Please be assured that no retaliatory disciplinary action will be taken if an employee makes such a report. In addition, the Joint Commission has stated that your name will be treated as confidential information, and will not be shared with any other party.

You may file your report in the following ways: 1. By e-mail:

complaint@jointcommission.org

2. By fax:

Office of Quality Monitoring, 630-792-5636

3. By mail:

Office of Quality Monitoring The Joint Commission One Renaissance Boulevard Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

For fax and mail reports, submissions must be on a Quality Incident Report Form available on the Joint Commission website at www.jointcommission.org.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Executive Offices at x1236.

8

New York’s Finest. NYPD officer Sherrod Stuart gives a “thumbs up” after leaving HSS in January. Officer Stuart received care at the Hospital after being shot in the leg while on duty. The media turned out to cover his discharge, while fellow officers, family and the HSS medical team stood in formation to give him an inspiring send-off.

Executive Editor:

Rachel Sheehan

Editorial Committee:

Lisa Goldstein, Bruce Slawitsky

Contributing Writer:

Robin Frank

Next Issue:

March 2016 echo@hss.edu